Another question about epiretinal membrane

I went back this afternoon to my cataract surgeon.  He had not seen me as a follow-up since I had the ERM peeled in my left eye on April 8.  I did tell my surgeon that I would not be having the cataract surgery on my other eye for the foreseeable future.  He may not be used to hearing this, but fine, OK, no problem.

Now, I did mention to him that my retina specialist had found, using the OCT scan, an ERM in my right eye.  Can't see the pucker, it's small, and I hope it never grows bigger.

My cataract surgeon then said that surgery on the eye can sometimes make the ERM worse.  I had never heard this.  I assume he means cataract removal or for that matter, any other eye surgery.  Is this right?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes,  a cataract surgery can make a ERM progress.  I usually treat with prolonged steroids and NASIDs.  About 50% in my hands progress.  Then we consider Avastin injection prior to an ERM peel.

Dr. O.

[eyesonyou]

I can't tell you how helpful you've been, Dr. O.  It is very much appreciated.